Knee replacement surgery can be a suitable option for many people experiencing extreme pain and discomfort due to damaged knee joints. This pain and discomfort are often caused by osteoarthritis, but surgery may also be required after accidents and other medical conditions.
When you’ve tried alternative treatment options, such as physical therapy, weight loss, medication, and ointment, with no results, your doctor may see knee replacement as the final option. However, not everyone knows when the right time will be. If you’re unsure if you’re at the point of requiring surgical intervention, the following signs may confirm that you are.
Your Previous Joint Replacement Has Failed
If you’ve noticed strange symptoms after a previous knee joint replacement, such as swelling, a loss of mobility, pain, and a grinding sensation, your new joint may have failed. Many people have looked into their Exactech knee replacement lawsuit options after Exactech used ineffective vacuum bags without the necessary oxygen barrier layers.
According to Exactech’s medical device recall, the inserts in those bags might have been exposed to oxygen, which might cause the plastic to wear out faster or be damaged once implanted in your body. If you’re experiencing pain or other related symptoms, it might be time to talk to your doctor, and possibly even a lawyer.
Your Pain Impacts Your Daily Life
Whether you’ve received a knee replacement in the past or not, you may consider surgery if your level of pain is beginning to impact your daily life. For example, you may now have trouble performing daily tasks that used to cause no issues at all, such as walking to the mailbox, gardening, or mowing the lawns. Now that most parts of your life are affected, it might be worth consulting a healthcare professional.
You Experience Pain While Resting
Damage to your knee joint can be noticeable when you’re performing everyday tasks like walking and crouching, but some people with severe joint issues can also experience pain when they’re resting. When you’re uncomfortable with extreme pain day or night, regardless of what you’re doing, you may need to discuss treatment options like surgery with a medical professional.
Other Treatment Options Haven’t Worked
Most doctors suggest a range of different treatment options before resorting to something as invasive as a joint replacement. Some of these can be oral or injected medications, creams and ointments, and physical therapy.
If you’re experiencing weight-related issues, some medical professionals might also recommend weight loss through healthy eating and exercise. However, surgical options like arthroscopic surgery and total knee replacement might be recommended when none of these treatment options seem to produce the desired result.
You’re Experiencing Inflammation and Swelling
Many injuries can cause short-term inflammation and swelling, but medication and rest can often play a part in alleviating it. However, that’s not always the case with severe knee joint damage. Your doctor may recommend surgical options when your short-term swelling and inflammation become long-term.
Knee replacement surgery is a big decision to make, and it’s not one your healthcare provider will make on a whim. However, if you relate to any situations above, it might be time to consider it in the near future.
